Dolly Parton, Country Music Icon and Songwriter, Dies at 80

This week, the beloved country music legend Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80. She was born in 1946 in a small cabin in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains and rose from humble beginnings to become a global star, known for hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." Throughout her more than sixty-year career, she wrote over 3,000 songs, drawing inspiration from her childhood and family. Making her Grand Ole Opry debut at just 13, she joined "The Porter Wagoner Show" in 1967 and launched her first album, "Hello, I'm Dolly." Parton’s impact reached pop music, especially with Whitney Houston's famous cover. She was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and earned over 50 Grammy nominations. Besides her music, she contributed to various philanthropic causes, including disaster relief and healthcare. Her literacy program, Imagination Library, has given away 300 million books since 1995. A unique portrait of her, made from seeds and corn husks, is currently on display at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery until September 7. Dolly is remembered for her songwriting prowess and her influence on artists like Taylor Swift.